It’s time to pursue policies that support the development of new antibiotics

This year, more than 3,000 Californians will die from bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.”

Superbugs can defeat even the most advanced and newest antibiotics. That’s because every time someone uses an antibiotic, bacteria have a chance to adapt and become resistant.

If we don’t use antibiotics more carefully to preserve their effectiveness, and also develop new antibiotics soon, everyday procedures can become potentially life-threatening. Already, some patients are becoming seriously ill, facing amputation and even death, due to antibiotic resistant infections.

Unfortunately, the market for new antibiotics is broken. Companies that develop new antibiotics to combat superbugs struggle to get a return on their investments, despite the urgent need for these treatments for public health. It’s time to pursue policies that support the development of new antibiotics.

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